DEVELOPMENT OF LAGOON

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 121, 8 June 1937, Page 8

DEVELOPMENT OF LAGOON

Board Chairman Faces Yolley of Questions RESULTS 0F CULTIVATION "All the water you have up there will not bring the big boats into the Breakwater," observed Mr B. Kells us Mr T. M. Geddis, chairman of he Napier Harbour Board, was explaining to the Napier braneh of the Labour Party last night ^he mea-ns provided for the carrying of storm-water from the foothills around the Ahuriri lagoon into the main outlet. The chairman (the Hon. W. E. Barnard, M.P.): That lias nothing to do with what Mr Geddis is talking about. Mr Geddis:' I do think that jhe development of all , these lands wiil be a, big factor- in ultimately reducing harbour charges and ensuring the success of the harbour scheme. "Hf.s the cultivation carried out ho far been a success?" asked Mr J. B. Pullen. Mr Geddis explained that seed r?cently sown had come away quite well but that there were black patchea which were affected with salt. Generally, the work had been well done. Beplying to a question, Mr Geddis explained that deep drains, had been dug to obviate the run-off of salt 011 the surface. It was being taken out of tho soil at a considerable depth. "Is the board paying anything towaids the work," asked a questioner. Mr Geddis: Yes; the board is paying £50,000. ""What will the board get out of it?" asked another. Mr Geddis: The board owns tbe laud. Mr R. Blundell: Will it pay the debt on it? Mr Geddis: Yes. Mr Blundell: I doubt it. Mr Geddis then proceeded to deal with the harbour eonstruction.